Retail and home consumption remains steady after a period of slightly increased consumption owing to the Easter break. A few loads of Rooster have now been exported to the continent with reports of interest continuing. The continued broken weather is hindering field work and planting in many areas. Sentiment among growers is low with ever increasing cost of production, market and weather challenges.
In Holland, factories only processed 275,400 t’s in February, the lowest figure for the last ten years. Since July, raw product usage is down 8.4%. France also experienced a significant drop off in usage. The demand for reds continues to Eastern Europe but also to Mediterranean countries.
